Episode 262 Conversations from PAPA: Real Stories from the Conference Floor

Welcome back! In this special episode, guest host and fellow Spitfire Elite coach, Jason Batchelor, "JB", records live interviews from the Professional Asian Pilot's Association Convention floor in Las Vegas, NV. You'll hear honest, unscripted conversations with aspiring aviators—some just days into their airline journey, others preparing for a major transition after decades of military service. From rapid interview timelines to navigating a cold, stoic interview environment, Kelly shares her perspective on staying poised when things don’t go as expected. Matt, a retiring F-15E pilot and Air Force Colonel, reflects on transition out of the military and into the civilian career field—and how preparing for interviews doesn't always follow a structured military path. Finally, Kono, a first-time conference attendee, gets a shot at a mock meet-and-greet, gaining real-time feedback and direction for how to refine his message and lean into his authenticity.

What You'll Learn:

How quickly the hiring timeline can unfold—and why being prepared is key

What to expect (and how to adapt) when an interview doesn’t match your expectations

Why early preparation matters when transitioning from military to civilian aviation

The value of mock interviews, roleplay, and honest coaching 

How to highlight cultural fit and personal story during meet-and-greets 

 

CONNECT WITH US

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SPONSOR

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